Short answer: In 2026 the US EB-5 investor programme requires a minimum of USD 800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or USD 1,050,000 in other areas. The investor must create at least ten full-time US jobs. The principal applicant, spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply for green cards together. There are no education, English, age or management-experience requirements.
How much investment is required?
The EB-5 minimum depends on project location. Targeted Employment Area (TEA) projects—rural areas, high-unemployment areas or qualifying infrastructure—require USD 800,000. Projects outside a TEA require USD 1,050,000. The capital must be at risk and used to create jobs. See US EB-5 Investor Immigration.
What are the basic requirements?
Applicants must prove the lawful source of funds and invest in a qualifying US commercial project that creates at least ten full-time jobs for US workers. The principal applicant, spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included. The programme imposes no education, English-language, age or management-experience requirements, making it suitable for capital-focused families.
What is the typical process?
The usual steps are: select a regional-centre or direct investment project, prepare source-of-funds documentation, file Form I-526E, apply for conditional permanent residence after approval, and later file to remove conditions. Processing times vary by visa backlog, project type and nationality; applicants from India and China may face longer waits. Most regional-centre projects offer passive-management options.
TEA versus non-TEA comparison
| Item | TEA (Targeted Employment Area) | Non-TEA |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum investment | USD 800,000 | USD 1,050,000 |
| Applicable areas | Rural, high-unemployment or infrastructure | Other areas |
| Job creation | At least 10 full-time jobs | At least 10 full-time jobs |
| Family coverage | Spouse and unmarried children under 21 | Spouse and unmarried children under 21 |
| Main advantage | Lower capital threshold | Wider project choice |
Global Immigrate’s recommendation
Families with sufficient capital may prioritise TEA projects to reduce the investment amount. Those facing tight timelines should prepare source-of-funds documents early, as the minimum amounts are scheduled for possible inflation adjustment from January 2027. Verify the legality of funds and project compliance before choosing a direct or regional-centre route.
Data current as of October 2026.
This article is general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.